<Match Review>
Tokyo, having lost to Avispa Fukuoka in the previous away game, returns home to Ajinomoto Stadium after four days. This match is an opportunity to express the frustration from the last game and to seek revenge on the score.
The recent match record against the opponent Sagan Tosu is not good at all. Until last season, the league record was five consecutive losses, making them a very difficult opponent for Tokyo. However, that was based on the playing style until last season. With the arrival of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, Tokyo is working on a new style of play, aiming to dominate the game by keeping possession of the ball and wanting to shake off that negative perception to secure three points. They approached this match, aiming for a victory in a home game where they have not lost this season, looking for a restart.
In the early stages, although there were moments of confusion against the opponent who pressed aggressively from the front, the team gradually moved the ball while positioning themselves between the opponent's lines and players, advancing into the opponent's territory. In the 17th minute of the first half, they were pushed back to the goal after a counterattack, and after being shaken wide, a shot was taken from the right front of the goal, but Hotaka NAKAMURA blocked it with his body. There were periods when the opponent held the ball and pressed, and times when Tokyo broke the press and pushed back, approaching the opponent's goal. In the 28th minute of the first half, pushing the opponent near the penalty area, they moved the ball with few touches centered on Leandro to look for a finish, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who received a one-two pass, was fouled and earned a free kick. In the 30th minute of the first half, Leandro took a direct shot from that free kick opportunity, and although the ball seemed to hit the corner of the goal, it was deflected by the crossbar. In the 34th minute of the first half, Kensuke NAGAI used his individual skill near the touchline to keep the ball and launched a counterattack toward the opponent's goal. Shuto ABE, who followed up, broke into space on the right side and delivered a backward cross ball just before the touchline. MATSUKI rushed in and connected with a one-touch shot, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper with a fine save. In the 43rd minute of the second half, after a counterattack, a cross ball was delivered from the right side, and in front of the goal, Nanase IINO headed the ball freely, but Jakub Słowik somehow kept his body in position, stretched out his arm, and with a fingertip deflection, made a super save to clear the ball from the goal.
Both teams utilized their positional advantages to push each other back, and depending on the situation, they mixed in counterattacks, resulting in a back-and-forth battle where the initiative changed rapidly as the match progressed.
A crisis arose at the start of the second half. Slowik, who failed to handle a back pass from a teammate, handled the ball with his hand before it flowed into the goal, conceding an indirect free kick from the goal area. Slowik saved the opponent's free kick from very close range, escaping danger. To change the somewhat stagnant flow, Tokyo brought on Diego OLIVEIRA, Adailton, and Kazuya KONNO in the 14th minute of the second half. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Matsuki sent a brilliant pass to the front in a counterattack opportunity. Adailton broke free and took a well-aimed shot from the left diagonal position of the goal, but the ball hit the right post and went off target. While both sides carried the ball in front of the goal but lacked a decisive finish, set pieces became the turning point. In the 36th minute of the second half, after conceding a free kick near the penalty area from a corner kick flow, Yuki HORIGOME scored into the right corner of the goal, conceding the first goal. Tokyo also launched a counterattack and created chances to finish, but could not shake the net before time was up.
In a match against a team that has only one loss this season, we did not back down at all during the game and even created opportunities that were thwarted by the post twice, making it a match where we felt the weight of the one goal lost from a set piece. Although this season is about pursuing the team's growth, we want to stop the losing streak. As we head into the next match against Júbilo Iwata, we want to further mature our style.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review today's game.
Regarding the soccer aspect, the team further understood the importance of maintaining possession of the ball and expressed that on the pitch. Growth was evident there. We could see gradual progress in their ability to play with confidence while holding the ball. Additionally, they were able to create multiple decisive chances. However, there are still moments of nervousness in the finishing zone, and there is room for improvement in playing more relaxed.
Regarding the defensive aspect, I think we did well. Tosu created a few chances, but if you ask whether they were very dangerous, that was definitely not the case. In soccer, sometimes factors other than soccer itself can greatly influence the match result. Of course, Tosu's goal came from a wonderful shot. However, as for today, I believe the match result was influenced by factors outside of the soccer elements.
The professional world we are in places great importance on results, and I understand that as well. If we had achieved victory today, everyone would evaluate that the team has dramatically grown. On the other hand, when we lose a match, even if the match content is the same, the team is often evaluated as having stopped growing. We anticipated that there would be tough and difficult matches in our first season. I believe that we did not play in a way that deserved to lose today. In the sport of soccer, playing in a way that deserves victory does not guarantee a win, and playing in a way that deserves to lose does not guarantee a loss. Various factors influence the match results, and I fully understand that aspects outside of soccer can also affect the outcome. Reflecting on today's match, I would like to evaluate that the players played with more confidence than usual and took care of the ball, which indicates that the team has taken a step forward.
Q: Today, you used player Okazaki, but can you tell us the reason for not using him in the Fukuoka match? Also, please explain the reason for player Nagatomo's absence.
Regarding the match against Fukuoka, we selected players considering that Fukuoka is strong in aerial battles. We chose Ryoya OGAWA because I believe he can better handle aerial duels against Fukuoka's physically strong forwards.
Regarding today's match, I thought it was a game where we should value the ball more. Today, Okazaki played well, especially in the attacking aspect, meeting expectations. His areas for improvement include playing calmly and relying too much on long balls, but today he improved on that and contributed to the attack with a good balance.
Regarding Nagatomo, he felt discomfort during the Fukuoka match, so we removed him from the squad as a precaution. I don't think it is a serious injury. We hope he will be ready in time for the next match against Iwata.
Q: Tokyo has fixed the three midfield players, but what is the reason for not changing the members?
A, both Kuryu MATSUKI and Abe are young players. For young players, we want to encourage growth with a long-term perspective rather than short-term goals. Kuryu is steadily growing and meeting expectations. There is room for improvement in that he has not yet settled down at the appropriate timing, but I believe he will continue to grow, including in that aspect.
Kuu and Abe are playing with very high intensity. Their play is an important factor in the quick transition between offense and defense, which has become a significant weapon at the start of the season.
Regarding Aoki, within the 4-3-3 system, he has been able to play steadily as the sole defensive midfielder, so we continue to value him and keep using him.
Q: Abe played mostly on the left side of midfield until last season, but what is the intention behind swapping him and Matsuki?
Regarding the two inside half positions, we give them freedom. However, I believe that right-footed players find it more natural to play as right inside halves, and left-footed players as left inside halves, making it easier to develop attacks to the right and left. On the other hand, when using right-footed players on the left and left-footed players on the right, the time spent pressing the opponent tends to be longer. In cases where a left-footed player plays as a right inside half and cuts inside to shoot with their left foot, deploying them on the opposite side of their dominant foot can be effective. In any case, if we divide the pitch into three parts, I tell the players to play more freely in the final third finishing zone.
If we talk about today's match results, I think there were many games in the first 10 or so matches of this season where the team moved directly and quickly towards the goal. While doing that, I believe the team is gradually adapting to changes in play style step by step and growing.
I believe that it is natural to lose matches at this stage of growth as we aim for a high possession rate of play that we expect. In Niigata, there were many difficult matches in the first season. And now, in the season after I left, Niigata is performing well and competing for the top position.
In the world of football, match results are what draws attention. Continuing in Niigata to enhance the team's completeness was one option, but I am interested in challenging myself with something new and building something new. I want to invest my energy into building something new at this club.
I am very happy that the fans and supporters are patiently supporting the team. I believe Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool FC is a great manager. There is no doubt that he is one of the greatest managers in the world. Do you know how many seasons he has been leading the team? Of course, everyone expects to win matches, and I am someone who wants to win as well. However, I believe that the direction we are aiming for will lead to greater success by taking our time. Therefore, we want to continue on this path.
[Player Interview]
＜Makoto OKAZAKI＞
Q: What kind of preparations have you made between the Fukuoka match and this Tosu match?
Q: I was watching the Fukuoka match on DAZN since I was not in the lineup. While Ogawa was playing as center back, I felt that I must not lose in the connecting plays. Personally, there have been many things that haven't gone well this season, so I am grateful just to have been given this opportunity at this timing. Knowing that a chance to prove myself has come, I absolutely wanted to win today.
The training period was not long, but since the surrounding players had not changed much in the lineup, I had been observing from the outside how I could choose to play in a way that would steer the team in a better direction. This made it easier to get into the matches, and I focused on practicing from the start on both following what Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA says and bringing out my own strengths.
Q: How much of what you envisioned for the match, including the build-up, were you able to express?
A, it was not nearly as good as I thought, but as a result, conceding only one goal from a free kick is somewhat of a positive aspect, I think.
I felt that I needed to make more passes, and I also need to improve the accuracy of my switches to the sides; otherwise, I don't think I can compete with players like Morishige and Henrique. That's why I really didn't want to lose today, and I'm frustrated because I was betting on today's match.
What the coach expects from daily practice and the connection between practice and matches are important, so I think it’s just about improving the quality there. Today, I had a chance to play in the match, and I hope to approach practice with a sense of urgency and bring out my best.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give to players like Kimoto and Aoki while playing?
A, we didn't talk about anything special. Since I have played together with Kimoto and understand his characteristics, we discussed covering each other and maintaining the minimum lineup. Aoki was told to just play normally. He positioned himself well and moved a lot as the anchor, making it easier to pass. We communicated and confirmed small adjustments in defense and attack while playing.
Q: Were there any instructions during the indirect free kick scene in the second half?
A, I hardly remember any scenes like that in my soccer career, so at that moment, everyone stood on the line not knowing how the Tosu players would come. I believed that if it was Kuba, he could stop it, and we just played in a horizontal line to prevent the ball from going underneath. Although I received a yellow card, I think we were able to play with focus and agility. It was a difficult situation, but I believe we defended well. That's why I felt the opponent's direct free kick (that led to a goal) was a waste.
Q: What are your thoughts on the balance of balls played in front of player Okazaki and long balls that connect to the front line?
From Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, I am always told about that point, and I sometimes aim to pass forward one more time, thinking that if the first pass goes through, the next one will too. I believe that if the pass actually gets through, it will create a chance. The coach has told me to make decisions while observing the situation throughout the 90 minutes. I hope to be able to make judgments while showing my own characteristics and also keeping an eye on the overall situation.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q: You started as a right back. Although this position is occupied by player Nagatomo, how do you evaluate today's play, including your relationship with the winger?
A, as for the opponent's formation and pressing style, I can create time on my side, and if I can hold the ball in good condition, I can lure out the opponent's wing-back and left shadow players, play vertical passes to quickly bypass their pressure, and overlap with speed myself. If Kensuke NAGAI and Keita YAMASHITA can hold the ball in good condition, I thought we could quickly overturn Tosu's defense and gain momentum in attack. So, while watching the positions of the shadows and wings, I hoped to position myself and act as a lubricant.
Q: I think you stood out more in moving the ball rather than in defense, but it seemed like after Konno entered in the second half, you were following the principles of positional play.
A, in terms of how I felt... This was my first time starting in a league match. Until now, I was often used as a substitute during the game, and the roles given to me when starting from the beginning and coming in as a substitute are different. However, during the match, I challenge myself and sometimes succeed, though I also make many errors. I immediately analyze each one during the game, making sure not to repeat mistakes, and quickly think about why I was able to do something at that moment, making it my own. I spend every day practicing with this mindset.
Until now, I have been watching from the bench, thinking for myself and observing Nagatomo's play, thinking about what I would do differently. There is a lot to learn from Nagatomo's play, so I am gradually challenging myself to put into practice what I envision. There are still many issues to work on, and since we are currently losing 0-1, I believe it is meaningless unless I become a player who can help us win. Even without Nagatomo, I need to become someone who makes people feel confident by saying, "It's okay because Hotaka NAKAMURA is here."
Q: I sent a good pass to Leandro at the right moment. I think it was as intended, but how do you feel about it?
A, if I can take a good position myself, I thought there would be space to draw out the opponent's wing or to play a one-two pass forward and break through. This was a part where the image took shape. I feel that my ways of breaking the press and my range of play have expanded. I want to improve the accuracy and be able to deliver balls that lead to more chances.
Q: As a team, we haven't been able to score as we would like in the league matches. Even today, while we created many chances, it felt like there were a lot of attacks from the sides. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has mentioned attacks from the center, but how do you see the players who start the build-up?
A, I think it is objectively true that there was a lack of central breakdowns and that we couldn't score the final goal. Among ourselves, the issue of not being able to score at the end is something that comes up in our discussions.
Of course, it's natural to value ball possession in positional play, but it's not positional play for the sake of positional play; it's positional play to score goals. If we don't take risks with vertical passes or aggressive plays, the opponent won't feel pressured, so it's become a topic of discussion among the players that we need to approach this without fear.
I believe this is the wall we are facing, and although we are struggling and the results have not come yet, we need to further refine our positional play in practice to score more goals. Communication within the team is developing, so we want to continue that.
Q: I think players like Yamashita and the substituted Diego had very few opportunities to touch the ball. Could what we discussed earlier be a factor?
A, it's not really an attacking positional play, but unless there is some risk taken somewhere to deliver vertical passes to the forwards, I don't think movements involving a third player will appear. It's important for the passer to be aware of this, and it's not just a matter of the passer; the forwards also need to drop into the correct positions. Communication within the team needs to improve. Solving one issue doesn't solve everything, so the players have to keep discussing and working on it together. It may take time, but since we are still in the process of trying various things ourselves, we ask for patience in watching us.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review today's game.
A, in the previous match, the way we started the game was not good, so today everyone was conscious of that and made an effort to start the game well, which I think was good. There were some periods where we were slightly pressed back, but everyone stayed focused and endured, and in the second half, there were parts where we executed our plan as intended, so it is unfortunate that the results did not follow.
Q: Today, Hotaka NAKAMURA played as the right back. Is there anything you were conscious of while partnering with NAKAMURA?
A, when it was Nagatomo, he motivated me with his voice. There are parts where I also raise my voice, but since he was leading me, today I focused on moving Nakamura myself.
I think we had a generally good relationship, and considering it was our first time playing together from the start, I think we did well.
Q, considering today's defense line, I think Kimoto needs to play with leadership, but please review your own performance.
Without players Nagatomo and Morishige, I think there were more things I could have done, and once again, I felt the great importance of having players who lead the team.
I strongly felt in these two matches that just being pulled along is not enough, so I want to play with more awareness, grow, and play in a way that leads the team to victory.
Q: After recovering from the 5 goals conceded in the last match, it seems that the only thing left is victory. Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, I think we were able to prove today that we can make adjustments in terms of each individual's concentration and mindset. We need to continue this, and although the goal conceded was from a set piece, we must keep a clean sheet, and above all, we must be committed to the result.
Our goal for this season is to focus on results and grow, so we definitely want to bring a victory as the outcome in the next match.
<Kensuke NAGAI>
Q: How did you feel after reflecting on the 90 minutes?
A, I think it was an important match where we had to finish our chances and firmly score the first goal.
Q: I think we were able to launch a quick attack after stealing the opponent's ball.
A, there is a style of soccer that the coach aims for, which is to carefully value the ball, and within that, I wanted to score as well. I feel that it is important to build up step by step for the team to move forward.
Q: There were scenes where we effectively used the sides to break through the center.
A, I want to increase the number of times. There are moments when we can break through successfully and reach the finish, so I want to be able to do that more and build attacking patterns after pushing forward. There are many more challenges we need to address.
Q: The lineup has changed a bit since the last match, how was the teamwork?
A, I am able to get to the finish, so I want to focus on playing with the determination to score goals.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, I want to prepare well from practice so that we can definitely earn 3 points next time.
